First Impressions of Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go, each promising tighter patterns and deadlier shots. So, when the Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube crossed my path, I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism mixed with genuine curiosity. Does it really deliver on its promise of optimized performance with Federal TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads in the .410 bore?
My initial interest stemmed from the growing popularity of .410 turkey hunting. For years, the .410 was considered a youth or small game caliber. But Federal’s introduction of TSS turkey loads has redefined what the .410 is capable of, creating a need for chokes specifically designed to handle these dense, tight-patterning loads. I had a client asking about them, and needed to vet the Trulock option.
Upon unboxing, the Trulock choke tube exuded quality. The black oxide finish was flawless. It felt substantial in hand, not overly heavy, but certainly not cheap or flimsy. Compared to some of the generic, mass-produced choke tubes I’ve encountered, this one felt like a precision instrument. I typically use factory-installed Browning chokes or extended Carlson’s chokes, and the Trulock appeared to be similarly well-made and of high quality steel.
Initially, I was optimistic. Trulock has a solid reputation, and the specific designation for Federal TSS loads gave me confidence that this wasn’t just another marketing gimmick. I looked forward to putting it through its paces and seeing if it could truly live up to the hype, especially compared to some of the other turkey chokes on the market today. I was excited to see if the patterns it produced were as lethal as the Federal TSS ammunition promised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube took place at my local shooting range, specifically focusing on pattern testing at 20, 30, and 40 yards. The weather was fairly mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze – nothing that would drastically affect the shot pattern. I used a Browning Silver Hunter chambered in .410 with 26″ barrel.
The Trulock choke tube threaded smoothly into my Browning Silver Hunter, a welcome change from some aftermarket chokes that require excessive force to install. Using Federal TSS #9 shot, the patterns at 20 and 30 yards were incredibly dense and even, easily capable of ethically harvesting a turkey. At 40 yards, the pattern started to open up a bit, but still maintained enough pellet density in a 10-inch circle to be effective. I also shot some Winchester Long Beard XR #6 and the pattern was far less uniform with significant gaps.
I was immediately impressed by the consistency and tightness of the patterns, especially given the .410’s reputation for being pattern-sensitive. No issues arose during the first range session. The choke performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of repeated use and cleaning, the Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube has shown no signs of wear or degradation. I’ve put approximately 50 rounds through it, cleaning it thoroughly after each range session using a standard choke tube cleaning kit. The choke is still in excellent condition.
The Trulock choke has become a permanent fixture in my turkey hunting setup, far exceeding my expectations for a .410 choke tube. Its ability to consistently deliver tight, lethal patterns with Federal TSS ammunition has made it an invaluable tool. In fact, I was able to harvest a mature gobbler at 35 yards with the choke tube.
Compared to my previous experiences with more generic chokes, the Trulock choke tube is a clear winner. It provides significantly tighter patterns and increased confidence in the field. It’s a reliable and well-made product that I would recommend to any serious turkey hunter using a .410 and Federal TSS loads.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube
Specifications
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube is specifically designed for Browning shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. It is manufactured by Trulock, a well-known name in choke tube design. Key specs include:
- Gauge: .410
- Choke Tube System: Browning Invector Plus (+)
- Choke Type: Turkey
- Material: Steel
- Color: Black
- Gun Make: Browning
- Quantity: 1
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke tube’s performance with Federal TSS ammunition. The steel construction ensures durability and the ability to withstand the pressures of modern shotshells. The Turkey designation, combined with the Invector Plus compatibility, ensures a proper fit and optimal constriction for tight patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube excels at producing exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Federal TSS turkey loads. This translates to longer effective ranges and increased confidence in the field. Accuracy at typical turkey hunting distances (20-40 yards) is excellent.
The main strength is its ability to deliver lethal patterns with Federal TSS loads in .410 shotguns. The only potential weakness is that it is specifically designed for Federal TSS. While it will function with other loads, optimal performance is guaranteed with TSS. It definitely met my expectations for a high-quality turkey choke tube, and exceeded what I thought was possible with a .410.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube features a simple, functional design. The black finish blends seamlessly with most shotguns. The choke is well-machined and threads smoothly, indicating a high level of build quality.
The choke is user-friendly. Simply thread it in using a choke tube wrench. There is no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube suggests excellent long-term durability. With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should last for many seasons. Regular cleaning with a choke tube cleaning kit is all that is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube does not come with any accessories. However, a choke tube wrench is necessary for installation and removal. It’s not really customizable beyond choosing the correct choke for your shotgun model and preferred load. The main customization option is pairing it with different Federal TSS loads (different shot sizes) to fine-tune your pattern.
Pros and Cons of Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube
Pros
- Consistently tight and even patterns with Federal TSS loads.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Specifically designed for Federal TSS loads, maximizing their effectiveness.
- Improved effective range for .410 turkey hunting.
Cons
- Optimized for Federal TSS only; may not perform as well with other loads.
- Requires a choke tube wrench for installation/removal (not included).
Who Should Buy Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube?
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube is perfect for turkey hunters using a Browning shotgun with the Invector Plus choke system chambered in .410 and who want to maximize the performance of Federal TSS ammunition. It’s also ideal for hunters who are new to .410 turkey hunting and want a reliable choke tube that will produce consistent, lethal patterns.
This product may not be the best choice for hunters who primarily use lead or copper-plated shot. A more general-purpose choke tube might be a better option. Also, if you do not own a Browning shotgun with Invector Plus choke threading, this product will not work for you.
A must-have accessory is a choke tube wrench. While you can often tighten the choke tube by hand, a wrench is essential for removing a stuck or over-tightened choke.
Conclusion on Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube
The Trulock Browning Invector Plus Federal TSS Turkey .410 Ga Choke Tube is an exceptional product that delivers on its promise of optimized performance with Federal TSS ammunition. The price of $57.99 is justified by the choke’s high-quality construction, consistent patterns, and increased effective range. It offers real, measurable improvements in pattern density compared to factory chokes and general-purpose aftermarket options.
I would highly recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to get the most out of their .410 turkey gun. If you’re serious about .410 turkey hunting with Federal TSS, this choke tube is a must-have. Upgrade your .410 and experience the difference a dedicated choke tube can make!